Nov. 16, 2016
HOMESTAND CLOSES THURSDAY NIGHT WITH DENVERSan José State turns around quickly from its loss to Portland to host Denver University on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. (PT) in The Event Center. It marks the end of a three-game homestand for the Spartans who have a chance to come out of it with a 2-1 record with a win. SJSU will not return to Walt McPherson Court until December 3.Game #3
San José State (1-1) vs. Denver University (1-0)Thursday, November 17, 7:00 p.m. (PT)The Event Center (5,000)San Jose, Calif.Live StreamingLive StatisticsRadio: KLIV 1590 AMCLARKE DROPS CAREER-HIGH ON PORTLANDBrandon Clarke (6-8, So., F, Phoenix, Ariz) scored a career-high 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Portland to notch his sixth-career double-double. Clarke, who set the freshman blocks record last season, finished with five rejections against the Pilots.SJSU CUT DOWN BY PORTLAND, 79-66The Spartans led by as many as eight in the first half, but the University of Portland pulled away with a 79-66 win over the Spartans. Four Pilots players finished in double-figure scoring, led by Gabe Taylor's 24 points. The Spartans took a 35-32 lead into the halftime locker room, but failed to hit a shot from the field in the first 8:28 of the second period. 3-pointers from Cody Schwartz (6-8, So., F, De Pere, Wis.), Jalen James (6-4, Jr., G, Chicago, Ill.) and Terrell Brown (6-2, Fr., G, Hayward, Calif.) brought SJSU to within three, 54-51, but that would be all.NICHOLS & DIMESIn two games this season we've season Isaiah Nichols (6-5, Fr., G, Oxnard, Calif.) the scorer, and the distributor. Despite not scoring a point, Nichols finished with 10 assists against Portland. In the first game of the year, he scored 10 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting night. Unlike last year when the Spartans had three and sometime even four freshmen starting the game, Nichols has been the only freshman starter thus far.SPARTANS WINNING BATTLE OF THE BENCHESSan José State's bench has outscored the opposing benches by a combined 56 points (85-29) in the early goings of the season. E.J. Boyce (6-2, So., G, Boise, Idaho) was a huge lift in the first game with 20 of SJSU's 61 bench points. Tuesday night SJSU outscored Portland's bench 24-8. Terrell Brown (6-2, Fr., G, Hayward, Calif.) had seven points, while Jalen James (6-4, Jr., G, Chicago, Ill.) and Cody Schwartz (6-8, So., F, De Pere, Wis.) both added six points.CASHING IN ON SECOND CHANCESThrough two games, the Spartans have 29 second-chance points compared to their opponents with seven points combined. While the rebounding totals were dead even against Portland, SJSU grabbed 14 offensive rebounds which led to 17 second-chance points. Meanwhile the Pilots managed five offensive rebounds and just four second-chance points.
SERIES HISTORY WITH DENVER
The Spartans have never beaten DU in four tries dating back to the 1959 season when the teams first met. The Spartans and Pioneers last met inside the Event Center on February 16, 2013, resulting in a 62-41 win for the visitors.
MORE ON DENVER
Denver comes in after a 92-84 loss at home to Jacksonville in its season opener. The Pioneers were picked to finish eighth in the nine-team Summit League preseason poll. Sophomore guard Joe Rosga was selected preseason all-conference second team, and he backed up the honor in Denver's first game with nine 3-pointers and a career-high 30 points.
THREE-GAME ROAD TRIP UP AHEADFollowing Thursday night's tilt with Denver, SJSU begins a tough three-game road trip beginning with No. 17 Saint Mary's on November 22. Then the Spartans have an extended stay in the Palouse with games at Washington State (11/27) and at Idaho (11/29).MEN'S HOOPS TICKETS ON SALE NOWThe Spartan Ticket Office is your one-stop shop for season, single-game and mini plan tickets for home San José State men's basketball. Call the office today at 408-924-7589.